High Triglycerides

High triglycerides are a pesky problem that often slips under the radar. This condition might not be a household name like high cholesterol, but it’s just as crucial to address.

What Are High Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood, and they play a vital role in your health. After eating, your body converts any calories it doesn’t need right away into triglycerides, storing them in fat cells. When you need energy, hormones release them. However, when triglycerides accumulate, the stage is set for health risks, particularly heart disease.

Are There Symptoms?

Much like a stealthy ninja, high triglycerides rarely announce their presence with clear symptoms. They're often discovered during routine blood tests. In severe cases, you might notice fat deposits under your skin or experience pancreatitis—an inflammation of the pancreas.

Primary Causes of High Triglycerides:

  • Obesity: Excess body weight is a major contributor to elevated triglyceride levels.
  • Caloric Intake Exceeding Energy Use: Consuming more calories than the body can burn leads to fat accumulation, raising triglyceride levels.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity contributes to poor metabolic health and higher triglyceride levels.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: This condition often features insulin resistance, which disrupts fat metabolism and elevates triglycerides.
  • Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can slow metabolism, leading to increased lipid levels.
  • Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can affect the body's ability to regulate lipids.
  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can increase triglyceride levels through metabolic disturbances.
  • Smoking: Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can increase triglycerides and lower 'good' HDL cholesterol.
  • Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can elevate triglyceride levels as a side effect.

Research Insights

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology emphasizes the association between triglycerides and other risk factors in the development of coronary artery disease. This research highlights that individuals with a combination of low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides often exhibit multiple risk factors including smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity, hypertension, and obesity. These factors tend to cluster, exacerbating the risk of developing coronary artery disease.

Hypertriglyceridemia and Type 2 Diabetes

Hypertriglyceridemia is commonly observed in patients with type 2 diabetes, primarily due to insulin's role in regulating lipid metabolism. Insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, hampers the function of insulin-dependent organs such as adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscles. This dysfunction leads to improper lipid regulation and elevated triglyceride levels.

Risk Factors for High Triglycerides and Their Impact on Health

Triglycerides as Predictors of Cardiovascular Disease

  • Research indicates that high triglyceride levels are significant predictors of cardiovascular disease, which remains a principal cause of death and morbidity in Western societies from coronary heart disease.
  • Even when LDL cholesterol levels are controlled, high triglycerides pose a substantial risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Key Studies and Findings

  • 2010 Harvard Medical School Study: Evaluated the impact of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol on coronary heart disease risk. Findings suggest that high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol levels increase the risk of coronary heart disease, even if LDL cholesterol levels are low. The risk increases by approximately 20% for every 23 mg/dL increase in triglycerides.
  • 2011 Oman Medical Journal Study: Demonstrated a strong relationship between elevated serum triglyceride levels and high blood glucose levels, suggesting that triglycerides, rather than cholesterol, may have a more direct impact on increasing blood glucose levels.

Triglycerides' Role in Type 2 Diabetes

  • High triglyceride levels indicate poor metabolic health and can be a precursor to the development of type 2 diabetes. They show an inability of the body to properly convert food into energy, leading to both high triglyceride and glucose levels in the blood.
  • Insulin resistance exacerbates this issue by preventing glucose and triglycerides from entering cells, thus increasing their levels in the bloodstream.

Link Between Triglycerides and Obesity

  • Hypertriglyceridemia is closely associated with obesity, particularly as triglyceride levels often correlate with waist circumference.
  • A trial involving individuals with diabetes showed that intensive lifestyle interventions leading to significant weight loss also resulted in a substantial decrease in triglyceride levels. Participants in the study lost 8.6% of their initial weight and reduced their triglyceride levels by more than twice as much as those in the control group who did not undergo lifestyle changes.

Link to Pancreatitis

Extremely high levels can lead to pancreatitis, which can manifest as severe abdominal pain.

Shared Symptoms between High Triglycerides & High Blood Pressure

The symptoms of high triglycerides and high blood pressure share a common characteristic in that both conditions are often asymptomatic, especially in the early stages.

  • This means that many individuals with high triglycerides or high blood pressure may not experience noticeable symptoms until the condition has progressed to a more severe stage or leads to other health complications.
  • Both conditions, when they become severe or are poorly managed over time, can contribute to heart disease, which can manifest symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, or in severe cases, heart attacks.
  • Both can also contribute to the risk of stroke, which can lead to symptoms like sudden numbness or weakness in the limbs, difficulty speaking, and severe headaches.

Conventional Treatments for High Triglycerides

Managing high triglycerides often involves the use of specific medications, primarily statins and fibrates, each with distinct mechanisms of action and potential side effects. Here’s an overview of these conventional treatment options:

1. Statins

  • Usage: Statins such as Lipitor or Zocor are prescribed to treat patients with high LDL cholesterol as well as those with low HDL cholesterol who also exhibit high triglycerides, particularly hypertriglyceridemia.
  • Common Side Effects:
  • Muscle pain
  • Potential liver damage
  • Increased blood sugar levels
  • Neurological issues, including memory loss and confusion

2. Fibrates

  • Usage: Fibrates are specifically used to lower triglyceride levels and are beneficial in patients with cardiovascular disease who have modestly elevated triglyceride and low HDL cholesterol levels.
  • Side Effects:
  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach
  • Diarrhea
  • Potential for liver irritation
  • Risk of gallstones with long-term use

Combination Drugs

  • Overview: In some cases, fibrates and statins are prescribed together to aggressively manage high triglyceride levels.
  • Safety Concerns: Combination therapy should be approached with caution due to increased potential for side effects, including severe muscle damage when used together.

Strategies to Naturally Lower Triglycerides

Managing triglyceride levels is crucial for maintaining heart health and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Here are effective dietary changes that can naturally reduce high triglyceride levels:

1. Cut Back on Calories

  • Importance of Weight Management: Reducing caloric intake is vital due to the link between increased weight circumference and high triglycerides.
  • Dietary Choices: Focus on cholesterol-lowering foods such as vegetables, nuts, seeds, garlic, and sweet potatoes.
  • Study Insights: Research from the University of Western Australia found that weight loss significantly decreased body weight, plasma insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels.
  • Avoid Empty Calories: Minimize intake of sweetened beverages, refined carbohydrates, and baked goods to facilitate weight loss.

2. Avoid Sugary Foods

  • Impact of Fructose: A study in the American Journal of Physiology showed a 20% increase in triglyceride production when fructose was administered to rats, highlighting that fructose not only boosts triglyceride production but also hinders their removal.
  • Dietary Advice: Limit intake of high-fructose foods and eliminate high fructose corn syrup. Instead, focus on incorporating complex carbohydrates and healthy fats into your diet.

3. Emphasize Complex Carbohydrates

  • Study Findings: A study at the Rogosin Institute indicated that diets high in simple sugars can increase triglyceride levels.
  • Benefits of Soluble Fiber: Opt for complex carbohydrates like sprouted seeds, nuts, and quinoa, which are high in soluble fiber, helping you feel full longer and support weight management.

4. Choose Healthy Fats

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Consume foods rich in omega-3s, such as wild salmon, mackerel, chia seeds, flaxseeds, grass-fed beef, and free-range eggs, to reduce serum triglyceride levels by decreasing the synthesis and delivery of free fatty acids to the liver.
  • Ketogenic Diet: A diet high in healthy fats, like the keto diet, can help reduce heart disease markers, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Be informed about which high-cholesterol foods to avoid.

5. Reduce Alcohol Consumption

  • Impact of High Alcohol Intake: Research from Current Opinion in Lipidology highlights that excessive alcohol consumption is linked to elevated plasma triglycerides, cardiovascular disease, alcoholic fatty liver disease, and pancreatitis.
  • Moderation Benefits: While light to moderate alcohol intake might decrease plasma triglycerides, those with high levels will see more significant benefits by reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption entirely.

6. Regular Physical Activity

  • Study Insights: A study featured in Medicine and Science in Exercise and Sports demonstrated significant benefits of regular exercise on triglyceride levels. In this study, 11 healthy women participated in a two-hour brisk walk at 60% of peak oxygen consumption, resulting in triglyceride concentrations being approximately 30% lower than those in the control group without exercise.
  • Types of Beneficial Exercise: Regular activities such as walking, running, weight training, and yoga are recommended to achieve these benefits, suggesting that various forms of physical activity can help in reducing triglyceride levels.

7. Fish Oil Benefits

  • Effectiveness of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Researchers at the Cardiovascular Health Research Center in South Dakota have found that long-chain omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduce plasma triglyceride levels. At a pharmaceutical dose of 3.4 grams per day, omega-3s can lower triglycerides by about 25% to 50% within one month.
  • Mechanism of Action: This reduction is primarily due to a decrease in the production of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and an increase in VLDL clearance.
  • Additional Benefits: Fish oil also suppresses inflammation in adipose tissue and regulates metabolic pathways, which helps in reducing plasma triglycerides further.

8. Niacin (Vitamin B3)

  • Triglyceride and Cholesterol Management: Niacin has been shown to lower triglyceride levels by 30% to 50%, increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels by 20% to 30%, and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol by 5% to 25%.
  • Comprehensive Lipid Management: According to research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, niacin therapy uniquely improves all lipoprotein abnormalities, significantly reducing LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels while boosting HDL cholesterol.
  • Clinical Benefits and Considerations: Niacin-induced improvements in lipid profiles are linked to enhanced outcomes in managing coronary artery disease. However, niacin can elevate liver enzyme levels, posing a risk of side effects. Combining low-dose niacin with a statin is often recommended to mitigate cardiovascular risks.

9. Lipoic Acid

  • Enhanced Triglyceride Clearance: Lipoic acid supplementation has been shown to increase the rate at which triglycerides are cleared from the bloodstream after meals.
  • Research Findings: A 2009 study in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics demonstrated that diabetic rats fed a diet containing lipoic acid for five weeks had elevated glycogen content in their livers, indicating that dietary carbohydrates were stored as glycogen rather than being converted into fatty acids. This storage mechanism contributed to lower triglyceride levels in these animals.

10. Garlic

  • Heart Health Benefits: Garlic is well-recognized for its cardiovascular benefits, particularly in preventing heart disease and managing lipid levels.
  • Meta-Analysis Insights: Research conducted at the University of Oxford involving 17 trials with 952 subjects found that dried garlic powder significantly lowered serum triglyceride levels compared to a placebo.
  • Cholesterol Reduction: In addition to lowering triglycerides, garlic also reduced total cholesterol levels.
  • Additional Study Results: A study published in the Journal of Nutrition reported that administering raw garlic orally or via injection to rats resulted in a 38 percent reduction in triglyceride levels.

Lifestyle Changes for Overall Health

Exercise Regularly

  • A study published in Medicine and Science in Exercise and Sports demonstrated the immediate benefits of exercise on lipid profiles. The study involved 11 healthy women who engaged in a two-hour brisk walk at 60 percent of their peak oxygen consumption. The results indicated a 30 percent reduction in triglyceride concentrations after the exercise compared to a control trial with no exercise.
  • Regular exercise, including activities like walking, running, weight training, and yoga, is effective in promoting cardiovascular health and managing triglyceride levels.
  • Children and adolescents should aim for one hour of physical activity daily.

The Importance of Stress Management in Health

Impact of Chronic Stress

  • Cortisol Release: Chronic stress leads to the release of cortisol, a hormone that can have detrimental effects on health, including raising blood pressure and causing dyslipidemia.
  • Triglyceride Buildup: High stress levels can increase fat storage and alter metabolism and insulin sensitivity, contributing to higher triglyceride levels.
  • Behavioral Influences: Stress can lead to poor dietary choices, increased alcohol consumption, and reduced physical activity, all of which exacerbate high triglycerides and blood pressure.

Stress Management Techniques

  • Prayer & Meditation: Engaging in these practices can significantly lower stress levels and improve overall cardiovascular health.
  • Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in consistent physical exercise helps mitigate stress and its negative impacts on health.
  • Deep Breathing Exercises: Simple techniques can be effective in managing momentary stress and reducing overall stress levels.

The Power of Mindset in Health Management

Influence of Positive Mindset

  • Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Individuals with a positive outlook are more likely to engage in activities that promote health, such as adhering to beneficial dietary restrictions and maintaining regular exercise routines.
  • Management of Health Conditions: A positive mindset supports the management of conditions like high triglycerides and high blood pressure.

Coping with Illness

  • Stress Management: Those with an optimistic attitude often have better mechanisms for managing stress, which can alleviate the psychological burden associated with chronic conditions.
  • Health Outcomes: Research indicates that a positive mindset is linked to better health outcomes and reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease.

The Cholesterol Myth

Dr. Diamond’s lecture on his experience and on the flawed advice we've been given on diet, cholesterol and statins - "How Bad Science and Big Business Created the Obesity Epidemic"

Demystifying Diet and Heart Health: Insights from Dr. David Diamond

In a compelling narrative that challenges the mainstream medical advice, Dr. David Diamond, a Professor of Psychology, Molecular Pharmacology, and Physiology, shares his personal health journey and groundbreaking research in the video titled "How Bad Science and Big Business Created the Obesity Epidemic." This lecture delves deep into the misconceptions surrounding cholesterol, diet, and heart health, providing a fresh perspective on what truly influences our cardiovascular system.

Dr. Diamond's Personal Health Challenge

Dr. Diamond's story began fifteen years ago when routine life insurance tests placed him at high risk for heart disease, despite being in good health and having no family history of the condition. Shocked by the results showing his triglycerides at an alarming 750 and his HDL cholesterol distressingly low, he embarked on a conventional low-fat diet recommended by the American Heart Association, only to find his condition unchanged after months of diligent effort.

The Turning Point

His breakthrough came when he delved into the medical literature and discovered the significant impact of carbohydrates on blood sugar, triglycerides, and HDL levels. Against his doctor's advice, Dr. Diamond drastically reduced his carbohydrate intake and introduced more saturated fats into his diet. The result was astonishing—his triglycerides plummeted to 150, and his HDL levels improved dramatically without any medications.

The Flawed Science of Dietary Cholesterol

Dr. Diamond's research led him to question the established beliefs about dietary cholesterol and heart disease. He learned that the liver largely regulates cholesterol levels in the blood and that the arterial plaque buildup associated with heart disease is more about inflammation than cholesterol intake. This revelation highlighted the detrimental effects of sugars, trans fats, and certain vegetable oils, while underscoring the benefits of natural fats like those found in avocados, olive oil, and coconut oil.

The Misuse of Statistical Data in Drug Studies

Another critical issue Dr. Diamond addresses is the deceptive use of statistical data in drug research. Many studies report relative risk reduction rather than absolute risk reduction, misleadingly exaggerating the effectiveness of medications such as statins. Dr. Diamond's insights reveal that while statins might show a 50% relative risk reduction in heart attacks, the absolute risk reduction is actually around 1%—meaning 100 people need to be treated to prevent just one heart attack.

Empowerment Through Education

Dr. Diamond's indignation over the misleading dietary guidelines spurred him to develop a course at the University of South Florida titled "Medical Ethics," which educates students on how to critically evaluate the methodology in nutritional science and heart disease research. His viral lecture, "How Bad Science and Big Business Created the Obesity Epidemic," has reached approximately 150,000 viewers, challenging the conventional wisdom on diet and heart health.

Taking Control of Your Health

Dr. Diamond's experience is a powerful reminder of the importance of personal agency in managing our health. He encourages everyone to question the prevailing medical advice, understand the body's needs, and make informed dietary choices that genuinely benefit cardiovascular health.


Watch Dr. David Diamond's eye-opening lecture “How Bad Science and Big Business Created the Obesity Epidemic” to explore the deep-seated misconceptions about diet, cholesterol, and heart health that have shaped public health policies and personal wellness practices. This video is essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the complex dynamics of diet, health, and the pharmaceutical industry's influence on medicine.

Insulin's Role in High Triglycerides and Blood Pressure

The Fat Emperor: Insulin Versus Cholesterol," featuring Ivor Cummins, a biochemical engineer with a background in medical device engineering.

In the enlightening video titled "The Fat Emperor: Insulin Versus Cholesterol," Ivor Cummins delves deep into the misunderstood world of cholesterol and its relationship with our health. Cummins, a biochemical engineer with extensive experience in medical device engineering and complex problem solving, shares his personal journey into the realm of health science after encountering significant health issues in 2013.


Faced with high serum ferritin and liver enzymes, and dissatisfied with the lack of insight from medical professionals, Cummins embarked on a self-guided journey through medical literature. His determination not only reversed his health anomalies but also led him to shed 35 pounds.


Cummins's lecture at the Low Carb USA Keto Getaway in Florida and his insights on his website, thefatemperor.com, challenge the longstanding "diet-heart" hypothesis. This theory, which links dietary saturated fat to elevated blood cholesterol and heart disease, is now seen by Cummins as a flawed correlation that has led millions into obesity, diabetes, and a slew of inflammatory diseases.


In his video, Cummins explains the essential role of cholesterol, a substance that, contrary to popular belief, is vital for optimal health. He clarifies how cholesterol, transported through the bloodstream in lipoproteins, is crucial for energy use and cellular function, and not the villain it's often portrayed as.


The real culprit behind cardiovascular diseases, according to Cummins, is not cholesterol but insulin resistance. Highlighting the difference between metabolically healthy and unhealthy fats, Cummins articulates how insulin sensitivity plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular health. He also touches upon how lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and stress contribute to this dynamic.


Further, Cummins discusses the role of dietary choices, particularly the consumption of high-sugar foods, in fostering insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes and a host of other metabolic issues.


This comprehensive video is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the true drivers of heart disease and the importance of maintaining a balanced, informed perspective on diet and health.

Unveiling the Hidden Risks of Hyperinsulinemia: Insights from Dr. Joseph Kraft

Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance are silent precursors to a range of severe health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. Ivor Cummins' insightful interview with Dr. Joseph Kraft, a pioneer in the field of pathology and nuclear medicine, sheds light on this critical topic. Dr. Kraft's seminal work, "Diabetes Epidemic and You: Should Everyone Be Tested?" is based on extensive data from about 14,000 patients, offering profound insights into the often-overlooked condition of hyperinsulinemia.


Dr. Kraft developed a diagnostic test involving the ingestion of 75 grams of glucose and measuring the insulin response over a five-hour period. His findings revealed alarming patterns: despite normal fasting glucose levels, a vast majority of people exhibited signs of being diabetic or pre-diabetic, primarily due to their insulin response.


According to Dr. Kraft's research, while 90% of hyperinsulinemic patients passed the fasting glucose test, half of them failed the glucose tolerance test. This discrepancy highlights a massive oversight in how diabetes and prediabetes are typically diagnosed and treated. Ivor Cummins emphasizes that according to Kraft's data, a staggering 65% or more of Americans could be suffering from what he terms "diabetes in situ" due to hyperinsulinemia.


The interview delves into how hyperinsulinemia fosters heart disease by promoting fatty liver, increasing blood insulin levels, and triggering mechanisms that shuttle lipids into the vascular walls—a key factor in atherosclerosis. The inflammatory processes driven by insulin resistance also contribute to high blood pressure and dyslipidemia, disrupting the balance of LDL and HDL cholesterol.


Cummins and Kraft argue that conventional metrics like LDL cholesterol are unreliable indicators of heart disease risk. Instead, they suggest focusing on insulin sensitivity and the inflammatory markers associated with insulin resistance. Addressing these can significantly diminish the risk of cardiovascular diseases.


To learn more about the critical connection between insulin sensitivity and heart health, watch Ivor Cummins’ full interview with Dr. Joseph Kraft. This compelling discussion is not only an eye-opener but also a potential life-saver, highlighting actionable strategies to mitigate these hidden risks. Watch the interview here:


How to Mitigate Your Risk of Heart Disease

Understanding the role of insulin in your body is the first step in taking control of your health. Here are some strategies to consider:

  • Reduce Net Carbs: Start by dramatically lowering your intake of net carbs, particularly processed sugars and fructose, which trigger insulin resistance. Replace these with healthy fats rather than increasing your protein intake excessively.
  • Balance Fatty Acids: Optimize your omega-3 to omega-6 ratio by increasing your intake of omega-3 through sources like fatty fish, fish oil, and krill oil, while reducing omega-6 found predominantly in processed vegetable oils and fried foods.
  • Optimize Vitamin Levels: Regular, sensible sun exposure will help maintain your vitamin D levels. Also, ensure adequate intake of other crucial nutrients like magnesium, and vitamins K2 and C.
  • Prioritize Sleep: Aim for at least eight hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep deprivation significantly affects your insulin sensitivity and overall hormonal balance.
  • Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to enhance your insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health.

By understanding and applying these principles, you can take significant steps towards preventing or reversing hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, thereby reducing your risk of developing chronic diseases.

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